Steep decrease in members - The president of a nudism association is determined to advocate for every individual who chooses to go without clothing.
FKK, which stands for Free Body Culture, appears to be on the decline. This is evidenced by the recent lack of interest in the 75th anniversary celebration of the German Association for Free Body Culture (DFK), an organization that represents over 100 FKK clubs. According to reports in the Bild newspaper, membership has dropped significantly from around 65,000 enthusiasts 50 years ago to only 34,000 today.
DFK President Alfred Sigloch attributes this decrease to a variety of factors. Generational conflicts between older members, who make up the majority, and younger members are causing issues within the 121 nudist clubs affiliated with the organization. Sigloch believes that the conservatism of the older generation is hindering the modernization and adaptation of structures. Many of these clubs have an average age of over 60 years, with members often refusing to accept change.
Additionally, Sigloch points to social media as a potential reason for the decline in young members. He notes that young people value WLAN availability while the older generation does not, and that the rise of body cult culture on platforms like TikTok and Instagram can increase pressure to expose oneself to others.
Despite these challenges, Sigloch remains hopeful and unyielding in his support for FKK. He claiming that it is an ancient culture that will not die out. However, he acknowledges that the focus of the camping industry has shifted towards clothed tourists, with more opportunities for profit in the luxury camping sector. As such, the nudist business is less lucrative.
Regardless, Sigloch is still looking forward to the summer, with events like the 15th International Naturalist Run, the "Naked into the Wetlands" series, and the DFK championships in (naked) swimming offering some opportunities for nudists to come together.
Read also:
The decline in membership of FKK clubs, such as those represented by DFK, has also been observed in other nudist associations worldwide. This trend towards less interest in nudism could be associated with changing fashion preferences, as society becomes more accepting of partial clothing compared to the 'au naturel' lifestyle.
Despite the decline in membership and the increasing dominance of fashion that favors covered bodies, Sigloch continues to advocate for NUDISM, emphasizing its cultural significance and history, not just as a recreational activity but as a way of life.
